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Cagayan
de Oro City—When Canlubang team captain Luigi Yulo was
asked who he will field in the first round Wednesday, he
smiled and politely declined to reveal his roster.
Of
course, it is all part of Yulo’s strategy as his Barons
begin their quest for a 14th crown in the championship
division of the 60th Philippine Airlines (PAL) Interclub
which reels off at the Pueblo de Oro and the Del Monte
courses.
The
psychological factor will play an important factor for
Canlubang, according to Yulo, especially that Luisita
and Manila Southwoods are on the prowl.
“I will
submit our final lineup five minutes before tee-off.
It’s a secret for now,” Yulo jokingly said.
This
ploy of Yulo is something most teams, in any event other
than the PAL Interclub, actually use. But its’
effectiveness, Yulo said, will only be known when the
last putt has been made.
Yulo,
who played for Canlubang in the seniors’ event last
week, explained his players will decide among themselves
on who will play in the first round at the up-and-down,
tree-lined fairways of Del Monte depending on the
individual performance of their practice Tuesday.
“This
shows you the kind of bonding my players have. They
have so much trust in each other,” Yulo added.
Carrying
the Canlubang colors are current Philippine amateur
champion Jay Bayron, ex-winner Jun Bernis, Dave
Hernandez, Boyet Zaragosa, brothers Joseph and Mario
Labajo, Rufino Bayron, Jonel Ababa and Mark Fernando.
Last
year’s runner-up Southwoods pins it hopes on a young
roster, which includes 2006 Doha Asian Games bronze
medalist Mike Bibat and teammate Gene Bondoc, and
10-year-old Miggy Yee.
Amateur
standouts Anthony Fernando, Tonton Asistio, Miko
Alejandro, Miko Yee plus grizzled veterans Jun Jun Plana,
Jong Laput and Erwin Vinluan complete the cast for the
Cavite-based squad.
“We know
we have a big chance to get the title but a high-caliber
team like Canlubang is one hard nut to crack,” said
Southwoods skipper Thirdy Escaño.
Yulo and
Escaño said Del Monte is also a serious challenger. Del
Monte won in 2004.
“We have
the necessary tools to do it,” said Del Monte leader
Yoyong Velez.
Joining
Velez are Frankie Miñoza’s younger brothers Paul and
Ben, Joel Opaco, Jett Plete, Bunny Abanio, Romeo Jaraula,
Tristan Tabanas and Arsenio Mondilla.
Meanwhile, Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and
Industry past president Ruben Vegafria, Court of Appeals
Associate Justice Rodrigo Lim Jr., Del Monte Philippines
Inc. assistant general manager Henry Lao, Pueblo de Oro
chairman Rolando Ramos, PAL president Jaime Bautista and
tournament chairman Atty. Domingo Duerme hit the
ceremonial drives that formally kicked off the annual
tournament.
Action
Asia, Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, Callaway Golf, 105.1
Crossover, GE Aviation, GECAS, Mizuno, People Asoa and
Royal Caribbean are the major sponsors.
Corporate sponsors are BusinessMirror, Fortune Tobacco,
GMA 7, Premier Wine & Spirits, www.inquirer.net, and
Radio Mindanao Network while the backers are Century
Park Hotel, C-Lium Fibre, Foreign Post, Lufthansa
Technik Philippines and What’s On & Expat
Communications.
It’s
Bacolod in 2008
Bacolod City
will again host the Interclub next year. It edged out
Baguio
City
and Cebu City during a selection process after the team
captains’ meeting Tuesday at the Pueblo de Oro Golf
Club. |
